Yesterday was a traveling day that brought me from Warsaw to Wroclaw. Wroclaw in the second largest city in Poland. It was here that the women and children from Ivano-Frankivsk were assigned to go as refugees. As I noted in one of the previous updates, this assignment was providential because the Church is here and the group has been embraced and supported. After I arrived in Wroclaw we ate supper with the ladies who had been evacuated from Ivano-Frankivsk. Joining us was the preacher at the Church and his wife (Mirek & Marilu). Both Julia and Marina also joined us for dinner but are not in the photo (Julia was taking the photo and Marina had to leave and get back to her children). Tomorrow I get to assemble with the Church and look forward to that event.
In addition to a myriad of other actions, we are still constantly working on distribution, scheduling, and a number of others happenings. The first container that we thought would arrive in Gdansk is now in Germany so it’s actual arrival will be April 27. That’s a disappointment but it provides needed working time for logistical support. Ivan has arranged for the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Administration to take care of the trucking from Gdansk Port to Ivano-Frankivsk. That saves us transportation expenses on this side that can be utilized for other priorities.
In Ivano-Frankivsk
Even in the midst of “want” our brothers in Ivano-Frankivsk have been collecting items that will go to Vinnytsia where the military will transport into the danger zones. Those who have been reading these reports will recall my updates from Vinnytsia several years ago. The POC there is “Victor” who is the Chief of UA paratrooper’s/airborne union. It is a reputable organization and through them we have shipped many truckloads into the occupied eastern provinces. In one of those reports we had a memorable photo of Sergey walking in front of our truck sweeping for mines.
The Ivano-Frankivsk Church went and bought boxes of canned food, flashlights, and other items needed by those trapped in Mariupol. These will be taken to Vinnytsia and from there the military will get the supplies to those in great need.
Received word from Ivan that the brethren hope to worship at their usual meeting place tomorrow instead of in a flat as they have had to during the last few weeks. My prayer is that this is an indication that things are looking better for them and there is calm and peace for them.
Encouraging Emails
I continue receiving encouraging emails and here are just a few:
Hey Mr. John, I wanted to send you an update about the personal hygiene bags for women and children that have been organized here at the Janesville Church of Christ and the CrossFit 608 members in Janesville, Wisconsin.
Malorie (Smith) Jackson
The church here is very small, probably around 20 individuals, but they are very giving and eager to help those who have been affected by the tragedy in Ukraine. Together we have made 40 individual hygiene bags specifically for women. Additional supplies including tissues, Band-Aids, antibacterial soap/wipes, adult and kid’s toothbrushes, hair combs, baby soap and lotion, washcloths and hand sanitizer have been purchased to send in addition to the hygiene bags. The church here also supplied 1,298 diapers, 61 packs of baby wipes, and an extra-large box of blankets. The 7 boxes were shipped to Montgomery on Friday, March 25 and should arrive at Dalraida Church of Christ on Tuesday. I’ve talked with Gif, and he has ensured me that things will be taken care of.
Thank you for directing all of the individuals and churches who desire to help those in Ukraine and surrounding countries that have taken in refugees. It’s is truly an admirable act.
Send Tanya my condolences as she lost her brother. She is in our thoughts and prayers. Stay safe in your travels.
God bless,
Good evening from New Mexico John. Thank you for your email newsletter on Ukraine. An anonymous foundation just sent some funds your way. Thanks for your important work. If anyone needs a place to live, and can get authorized to leave Europe, New Mexico Christian Children’s Home has much to offer, especially for single parents with children. Keep us in mind. It would be our pleasure. God the Holy Spirit opens doors and closes doors. The State Department has changed policy to allow refugees into U.S.
Rod Self, NMCCH
Blessings in Christ,
Received a kind email from brethren in Long Island, NY:
HI Brother John,
Jerry Hill, Jason Green, Cliff Clark (Elders, East End Church of Christ)
Thank you for the work you and the Dalraida Church are doing for Ukrainians. We at the East End Church of Christ on Long Island are grateful to stand alongside you as you stand alongside them. Last week our congregation sent $10,000 to Dalraida in support of Ukraine. In addition, we are aware of several thousand more dollars sent by individual members of the East End Church.
Please know we are lifting up your ministry, the loving people who are receiving the refugees and the wonderful people of Ukraine in prayer every day. We so appreciate your reports. They are sent directly to each of our members as soon as they arrive.
Love in Christ,
Mike Lawson has arranged air cargo of 2 pallets of dehydrated foods!
John,
Mike Lawson
If these pallets were hydrated food, It would be about 300 lbs of food. It would be good to know exactly what they need. I am familiar with Konotop in the Sumy region…I am not familiar with Pavlo’s organization.
I have been on the road today to Columbia. Dropped off a load at about 12 PM Nashville time. Spent some time with Brian [Coggins]!
Good luck and God Speed, John.
We continue to be involved at a fast pace and with numerous simultaneous actions in a number of directions.
Thank you for your prayers!
John L. Kachelman, Jr
(Wroclaw, Poland)
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